What is STD?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection transmitted through sexual contact.

Why should I care about STDs?

While many STDs can be cured or treated with medication, the consequences of untreated STDs can include: infertility, pregnancy complications, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, congenital disabilities, and a 3- to 5-fold increased risk of HIV transmission. The only 100% effective way to prevent the transmission of STDs is abstinence. For sexually active persons, correct and consistent use of condoms is highly effective in preventing many STDs.

What are the common STD in Singapore?

Based on Singspore's Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections Control, in 2018 the most common STDs in Singapore are as follows:

1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhea
3. Syphilis
4. Genital Warts
5. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

What are the STD symptoms?

Rashes, sores, and ulcers are common symptoms of STDs, but what else should you be watching for? Common STD symptoms for women may include:

• An unusual vaginal discharge, which may be thin or watery and green or yellow in color
• Pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
• Bleeding between periods, heavier periods, and bleeding after sex

What do I do if I have STD?

There are 3 different types of STDs: bacterial, viral, and parasitic.

• Bacterial STDs can generally be cured with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, they can lead to further complications. Common bacterial STIs are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis.

Why should I screen for STD?

STDs usually don’t show symptoms right away, but they can lead to serious health conditions if left undetected and untreated. There are many chances you could contract STDs, from unprotected sex to even just skin-to-skin contact. The only way to know if one has contracted STDs is to get tested, so it’s critical to get screened regularly to protect your own health.

How long will it take for me to receive my screening results?

The screening time varies per screening service:

• Cervical Cancer Kit –– 2-3 business days
• Designed For Women Kit –– 3-6 business days
• Made For Women Kit –– 3-6 business days
• G&C Kit For Female –– 3-6 business days
• G&C Kit For Male –– 3-6 business days
• Common STDs Screening Service –– 6 business days

What are home-based STD screening kits?

Home-based screening kits use self-collected, mail-in samples to perform lab tests that will screen for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Home-based screening kits offer discreet screening process for STDs in the privacy of your own home, free of social stigmas and unnecessary discrimination.

How would I know if my results are accurate?

All samples and screening results with be reviewed by our partner clinic. A free doctor consultation is included with every kit purchase, so if you have any questions about your results, you could get in touch with our doctor through the tele-consultation service. Our products and services are provided in partnership with The Health Advisory Clinice, Helix Aesthetics and Medical Clinic, and iDOC Clinic.

How would I get my screening results?

Results will be delivered to you with full privacy. Once your results are ready, our partner clinic will reach out to deliver them to you. Your results will be between you and the doctors.

Why do I need to schedule an online consultation before receiving my home-based screening kit?

The mandatory online consultation is for our doctor to check in with you on your health history and answer any questions you may have regarding the self-sampling process.

How to mail-in my self-collected sample?

You can schedule sample pick up through our schedule link or WhatsApp. The self-collected sample should be returned within 24 hours after collection to ensure better quality results.

What are the consequences if STDs are left untreated?

While many STDs can be cured or treated with medication, the consequences of untreated STDs can include: infertility, pregnancy complications, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, congenital disabilities, and a 3- to 5-fold increased risk of HIV transmission. The only 100% effective way to prevent the transmission of STDs is abstinence. For sexually active persons, correct and consistent use of male latex condoms effectively prevents many STDs. This is why it's important to get tested and treated as soon as possible if you think you might have STDs.

How often should I get checked for STDs?

The recommended STD screening frequency would differ among individuals based on lifestyle and sexual practices. It would be dependent on the following factors.

• number of partners
• types of relationship, e.g., open relationship or polyamory, whether your partner has other partners
• types of intercourse engaged in
• any casual partners or contact with commercial sex workers
• whether any barrier protection is used regularly
• any “accidents,” e.g., condom breakage/ slip-off

Should I tell my current and previous sexual partners if I tested positive?

It's important to tell your current and previous sexual partners as their health could also be at risk. It's natural to feel worried, embarrassed, and even scared. But to protect yourself and your partner, it's a conversation you need to have. If you tested positive, we could help you anonymously message your sexual partners in the past few months to notify them that they may have been exposed to an STD. This is at your request, we will not send anything on your behalf unless you give consent.